United Arab Emirates
UAE can harness its untapped solar potential to decrease its reliance on fossil gas
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) relied on fossil fuels for 83% of its electricity. Its per capita emissions were five times higher than the global average.
The UAE’s largest source of clean electricity is nuclear which provides 13% of its total electricity mix. Its share of wind and solar (4.5%) is below the global average (13%), but higher than that of its neighbour Saudi Arabia (0.2%).
The UAE’s electricity demand has more than tripled in the last two decades and so have its power sector emissions. The increase in demand has largely been met by fossil gas, with increased contributions from nuclear and solar since 2019.
The UAE aims for 32% renewable electricity by 2030, while the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
Last updated: May 2024
Progress towards 1.5C power sector benchmarks
United Arab Emirates
2000–2040
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